Cemeteries will soon need ECCs too
BUSINESSES servicing the dead will soon be subjected to stricter environmental requirements.
Engr. Lourdes Tugade, senior environmental management specialist of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) based in Dagupan, said their office is just waiting to receive an official copy of a memo requiring crematoria, cemeteries, and funeral parlors to submit a comprehensive environmental impact plan in order to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza recently sought an amendment to Administrative Order 30-2003 to include existing and future crematoria, cemeteries, and funeral parlors among businesses that need an ECC.
Atienza cited studies showing that wastes from these establishments, such as formal dehyde from funeral parlors and the smoke from crematoria, can pose a threat to the environment and public health.
Under AO 30-2003, these establishments are only required to submit an initial environmental examination (IEE), which is limited in scope and does not thoroughly cover the process of disposal of various kinds of wastes generated by their operation.
These businesses also do not need to get any license from the PENRO at present.
The amendment, Tugade said, will “give more teeth to the law”.#
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